Chora Church (Kariye Camii)
About Chora Church (Kariye Camii)
Chora Church is a medieval Byzantine church located in today's Edirnekapi district of Istanbul.
Originally built in the 4th century and rebuilt in the 11th and 14th centuries, it is famous for its detailed mosaics and frescoes depicting the life of Christ and the Virgin Mary.
These artworks represent some of the finest examples of Late Byzantine art. The structure later served as a mosque and is now a functioning mosque again. Even after the conquer of Istanbul, the church had been continued to be used as it is.
Later by the grand-vizier of Sultan Bayezid II, it turned to a mosque and opened to prayers. Today, it is still in use as mosque, however it is visitable everyday for anyone apart from Friday.